By: Nyima Sillah
James F. Mendy, former National Assembly contestant, has called for ethical conduct in politics, warning against the growing culture of opportunism and dishonesty among political actors in The Gambia.
In an interview with this medium on Wednesday, Mendy expressed concern over how personal and party interests continue to overshadow the collective good, urging politicians, aspiring leaders, and citizens to put the country first in their actions and messaging.
“My advice to politicians, and all citizens, is to stay focused and embrace the national interest. When it comes to national development and discourse, it must not be about personal gains or party agendas, it should be about what serves the people,” he stressed.
He emphasizes that there is too much partisanship and dishonesty, as people take sides based not on what is right or fair but on party interests or groups. This, he said, is dangerous and unfair to the Gambian people.
Mendy further criticized individuals joining political movements just for jobs or positions, stressing that integrity should not be traded for power. “I am not a cheap person who would join a political group just to get a job or gain a position. I would rather remain jobless or stay in my current job than mislead people or be unfair to Gambians.”
The former NA contestant for Kombo East called for transparency and accountability, saying anyone who engages in favoritism loses the moral authority to demand the same from others. “When you take sides, you are no longer accountable or transparent. That makes you just as corrupt as the people you criticize,” he stressed.
He urged all stakeholders to act with honesty, fairness, and a deep sense of national duty, emphasizing that it is not about individual interest or group, it is about The Gambia. “Let us speak the truth and serve the people sincerely,” he said.
However, he also emphasized the crucial role media houses play in shaping public opinion and called on journalists to uphold ethical standards while demanding the same level of respect from political stakeholders. “Media houses should not be biased. They must remain focused and professional. When media practitioners side with any political force, it causes problems. But at the same time, politicians must also respect the role of the media,” he cautioned.
